Patio Door Lock Repairs

Over time, patio door wear and tear can lead to lock malfunctions. There are a few easy steps you can follow to ensure the security of your uPVC door.

These quick fixes will ensure your home is secure, whether you realign the lock or clean the mechanism.

Clean the Lock

Patio doors are great to let the outdoors in while keeping the elements out. However they could pose an issue for security in the event that the lock isn't working properly. With time wear and tear, extreme cold and hot weather dirt and debris can affect the lock on your patio door and make it difficult to open. With a little maintenance you can ensure that your patio door's locks always function effectively.

To begin with, it's crucial to clean your patio door's lock and all the moving parts. This will help remove any grime or coatings that could be preventing the lock from working correctly. Start by wiping down the moving parts of your patio door's lock using a damp cloth. then use a scouring pad or rough damp cloth to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the door or frame that are coated with dirt. You should then wipe down the entire lock with dry cloths to eliminate any remaining dampness and let it to dry completely before using it again.

If your patio door uses pin-tumbler locks, you can apply powdered Graphite on the key. You can also apply a Teflon oil like WD-40 Multi-Use Product. This type of lubricant can be applied quickly and doesn't dissolve over time. If you are unable to locate a suitable lubricant you can use a pencil with a thick tip. Insert the pencil in the lock, and shake it to distribute the graphite.

Regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the tracks of sliding glass patio doors repair patio doors clear from dust, dirt and other debris. These tracks are especially susceptible to snow and ice which can cause them to jam or bind and make it difficult for your patio doors to open and close.

The sliding rails of the patio door track and rollers can be cleaned by removing any damaged or dirty weather stripping, cleaning them, then reinstalling it. The rollers of patio doors can be cleaned and sprayed with a nonstick lubricant.

Lubricate the moving parts

uPVC french doors, similar to sliding patio doors, work by using 3-4 or occasionally 5-point locking mechanisms which include the handle and lock cylinder controlled by a key. These doors also need maintenance, including lubrication of the moving parts. This can be done with a thin oil however, never WD40. It should be done every year, at a minimum.

If sagging hinges aren't the cause, the door may be misaligned and caught or rubbing against the strike plate hole within the frame. Remove the strike plate, and employ a sharp tool to enlarge the mortise. This will allow the latch to fit properly into the hole, and prevent it from hitting the frame.

Take a measurement of the width of the cylinder with the help of a piece of wood or a book that fits into the gap above the adjustment screw. The outer dimension is measured from the outside of the door to the center cylinder. The inner dimension is measured from the center adjustment screw to the end cylinder.

Check the width of the lock.

If your patio door latch is difficult to turn even after cleaning and lubricating, it's possible that it is out of alignment with the strike plate hole. Verify that the door is properly balanced and if the hinge screws are secure. In a lot of cases, however, simply moving the strike plate upwards or downwards can solve the issue.

The most common issue is when the strike of the lock is too small for the latch to engage. In this instance, you'll need to enlarge the hole with either a hammer or chisel, and then test the latch to ensure that it connects to the strike plate without rubbing against or getting caught on the frame of the door jamb.

You must identify the kind of mortise lock that you are using before you purchase a replacement. This can be done by looking at the faceplate and observing whether it is square or round. Then, take a look at the screw holes on the current lock and note the dimensions of each. This will help you to locate a replacement lock that is exactly the same size and will fit in the hole that you already have.

You'll need to locate the mortise lock and inspect it for any scratches, bends, or other damage that requires to be fixed. A damaged or bent latch is more likely than one that has been used a lot how to repair tilt and slide patio door break. Replace the lock if you notice indications of damage.

Once you've decided on the kind of lock replacement you require It's time to start the actual repair patio door. Take the old handle and spindle from the patio door, and then insert the new one. Start by putting in the interior handle, aligning it with the spindle, and then fixing it with the two screws or bolts that hold it. Once the interior handle is installed, you can install the handle that is outside and screw it into the position as well. Once you've completed these steps, you can test the new handles to ensure that they are able to open and close with ease and that the latch locks correctly when you strike the plate.

Check the Door's Strike

The door latch and strike plate are two components of the lock that work together to ensure that the latch locks the door. If they are not aligned properly, the latch won't latch the door shut correctly. This is typically easy to fix.

Check the receiving holes of the strike plate to make sure they are free of obstructions, such as dirt or plastic plugs. Loosen the keeper screws holding the strike plate in position. This allows it to move horizontally, but not separate it from the frame. Adjust the strike plate to align its receiving holes with the latch hooks of the door latch. Once the strike plate is adjusted, tighten all screws and check if the door closes smoothly.

These plates are difficult to reach for homeowners with sliding patio door lock repair patio doors. However they are crucial for locking and unlocking your door. The plates made of metal are located at the top and bottom jambs of the door which are where they help support the latch. Then, the door latch is able to slide into the strike plate, creating a seal when closed. If the strike plate is damaged, rusted or not installed correctly, it may stop the latch from locking the door securely.

One of the most common reasons for an outdoor door lock to not close or not close is a misalignment of the latch and the strike plate. The most effective way to test for this is to perform the "lipstick test." Rub some lipstick along the edge of the deadbolt and attach masking tape over it. When you shut the door, the lipstick will leave a mark on the tape, indicating exactly where the latch meets the strike plate. If the mark is too low or high, you can adjust the strike plate.

Sliding patio door locks help keep your home safe from burglars. If they're not functioning properly, you need to repair the issue quickly. Follow these steps to fix your patio door lock repair door lock and restore it's functionality.